An acoustic train went roaring through Cottonwood High School Saturday night and took the full house along for a spectacular ride.
Barry McGuire, of the long-ago New Christy Minstrels and "Eve of Destruction" legend, opened the show with his gentle brand of humor and warmth. He evoked laughter with his observations on aging, saying, "Everything heads south - I'm like a chocolate kiss in overalls!"He sang his powerful song "Cosmic Cowboy" and left no doubts of his love for the mysterious stranger who says, "I'm the only door."
McGuire explained how his children's song "Bullfrogs and Butterflies" came to be written. "I wanted to tell my little 2-year-old boy about Jesus, and how do you put eternity into little bitty words humans can understand?" The answer came in the lyrics, "Bullfrogs and Butterflies, they've both been born again."
Then Wendy and Terry Talbot took to the stage and showcased Wendy's songwriting skills and her beautiful soprano voice with "Crystal River," a story about the river that will flow from a throne to be established in Jerusalem.
The Talbots delighted the hundreds of children in attendance by bringing out a furry puppet named Ralph. Wendy could hardly contain the sappy puppy as singer Don Francisco joined the Talbots to sing about his old dog "Blue."
Then Francisco introduced Don Banta, who accompanied Francisco on guitar for "Tell Somebody." When all four of the featured singers were onstage, Banta stayed to play bass and guitar for the group.
The four guitarists sounded like an acoustic army as they sang, "He's Alive" inviting the audience to sing the joyful song of Easter morning.
A 20-minute intermission gave the audience a chance to buy some of the dozens of albums the group had on sale.
The last half of the concert featured the songs the group recorded last January, "Love One Another," "You Will Know a Tree by Its Fruit," "On the Turning Away"; and the Beatles' "Help" sung tenderly by Terry Talbot with meaning that Lennon and McCartney probably didn't envision.
As the group sang "When the Ship Comes In," the four sent waves of music surging over the audience. Francisco sang a soulful, "You Needed Me," with Wendy Talbot's single guitar work complementing his tender solo.
Terry Talbot sang his "Love Me Like I Am," with wife Wendy joining him on the chorus. The song gently pointed out hypocrisy in judging others.
From the opening notes of "A Soulin'," one guitar after another joined in until a rich layer of melody carried the old folk tune. The group took a bow but was cheered back onstage.
They sang "Love One Another" and then began a cappella on "Jesus Met the Woman at the Well." When the guitars joined in, the audience stomped and clapped along as Francisco soared above the harmony in a gospel improvisation. The group powerhoused into "If I Had My Way" keeping the audience involved in the fast-moving song.
Waving and smiling to the cheering crowd, the group tried to leave but was roared back onstage for another chorus of "If I Had My Way." Barry McGuire's face radiated joy, and he closed his eyes and sang his heart out. This gospel "Fab Four" were promised a hearty reception for a return next year.